Ex-Astro Oswalt leaves Phillies after storms hit hometown

PHOENIX — A few hours before Tuesday’s game, Roy Oswalt was lying on his back in the visiting dugout at Chase Field. He was talking on his cell phone and occupied with something — an unusual occurrence for a starter on the day he pitches.

So it is very possible Oswalt knew of the severe storms that threatened his home in Mississippi before he took the mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He allowed five runs in three innings and had already left the stadium by the time the game was over.

The Phillies announced Wednesday morning that Oswalt had left the team for an indefinite period to be with his family and friends after tornados were blamed for at least six deaths in Mississippi.

Oswalt’s exact return date is unknown, but the team is hopeful he will be back before his next start, which is scheduled for Tuesday because of two coming off days.

“He has chosen to take time to make sure there wasn’t significant damage to his home, but more importantly, to make certain that his wife and children are OK,” Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement.

Oswalt’s childhood home in Weir, Miss., was destroyed by a tornado almost a year to the day. His mother, Jean, survived the twister by hiding in a closet with the family’s dog.

That, no doubt, has heightened Oswalt’s awareness and fears.

A Phillies official first said Oswalt had left for “personal reasons” shortly after 1 p.m. Amaro did not answer detailed follow-up questions, saying only: “We expect him to be back.” That created speculation until 3 p.m., when the Phillies released a longer statement from Amaro explaining Oswalt’s departure.

Oswalt threw 57 pitches in Tuesday’s start. It was his worst as a Phillie and the first time he lost a game since his debut on July 30, 2010.